CARY, N.C. — As the 2024 election approaches, the economy remains a top concern for voters across the nation. With rising inflation and increasing costs of living, many families are feeling the pinch in their daily lives.

What You Need To Know

  • Polls consistently show that economic issues, from grocery prices to housing costs, are paramount in voters' minds, influencing their decisions at the ballot box

  • The economic repercussions of COVID-19 continue to affect households, leading to increased financial strain and the need for community resources like food pantries

  • The Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates for governor share how they plan to address growing economic concerns below

In a bustling food pantry run by Dorcas Ministries in Cary, shelves lined with essentials serve as a lifeline for families facing mounting costs.

Sade Thomas, a mother of five, shared her family’s struggles.

“We usually spend about $1,000 a month, but with the inflation, we're spending like $1,500 a month on food. I have a big family,” she explained. “This year has been really difficult. We had to utilize resources that we usually don't, and I'm glad that they're here.”

The impact of inflation is palpable, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics noting a surge in prices for consumer goods in recent years.

Elizabeth Kahn, the Dorcas food security program manager, said their food pantry has seen a massive increase in demand that reflects the price surge.

“We've definitely seen a need that's just really increased. I mean, it's families of all sizes, families of just one individual are six-plus,” Khan said. “I mean, everybody's feeling it.”

Dorcas Food Pantry provides groceries, hygiene supplies and more to families who qualify in Cary and Apex. You can click here to see the qualifications.

Khan encourages families to check out resources near them, noting that many communities have nonprofits and organizations there to help.

Thomas said she is able to utilize the Dorcas food pantry 12 times total in a lifetime, and each time, it has made a massive difference for her family.

“You know, a lot of people got into a lot of financial debt in COVID and still, you know, trying to get out of that,” she said.

Following the pandemic, when supply chains were disrupted, it made production costs higher, which in turn meant higher prices and tougher decisions for families like theirs.

Thomas said she is looking for a candidate for governor that is ready and willing to tackle inflation and health care.

“I can tell you now the cost of food and things like that that takes a major, is going to really play a major part in my decision,” Thomas said.

Candidates for governor are taking note of these concerns.

Republican candidate and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson vows to reform the regulatory system and cut taxes.

Robinson said in part, “As governor, I will always fight for fiscal restraint to take on inflation and for lower taxes so families can keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Democratic candidate and N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein is focused on raising the minimum wage and providing economic security.

Stein said in part, “I will keep working to deliver the economic security and peace of mind that every North Carolinian deserves.”